Hamlet: Many Interpretations
Although many students of Shakespeare believe that Hamlet, among all the
plays in the Shakespearean canon, best reflects the universality of the
poet-dramatist's genius, it remains an enigmatical work, what has been
called a �grand poetical puzzle.� no artist can control the use to which
his insights are put by posterity, and this dictum is especially true of
Shakespeare, whose Hamlet has caused more discussion than any other
character in fiction, dramatic or non-dramatic. Many readers have been
disturbed by the two Hamlet's in the play: one, the sensitive young
intellectual and idealist, the �sweet prince� who expresses himself in
unforgettable poetry; the other, a barbaric Hamlet who ...
Want to read the rest of this paper?
Join Essayworld today to view this entire essay
and over 50,000 other term papers
|
own interpretations of Hamlet.
Following two renound interpretations of Hamlet, two major conclusions can
be made. First, Shakespeare's tragedy is a work of surpassing interest and
genius, and the tragic hero is universally attractive and fascinating.
Second, only the naive will start with the assumption that there is one
obvious interpretation of the play and that the critics, not Shakespeare,
have introduced complexities into it. It would be nice to present a simple,
direct interpretation based upon a major generalization and to ignore
passages in the play which do not fit into the argument. But such a
presentation would not do justice to a great play or help the reader.
Therefore, when appropriate, passages which seem to lend support to a given
theory will be called to the reader's attention. But always one must ask
himself whether or not the entire play urges the acceptance of such a
theory; ultimately, major themes emerge from the entire plot, not from
isolated ...
Get instant access to over 50,000 essays.
Write better papers. Get better grades.
Already a member? Login
|
CITE THIS PAGE:
Hamlet: Many Interpretations. (2004, February 24). Retrieved May 17, 2025, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Hamlet-Many-Interpretations/3558
"Hamlet: Many Interpretations." Essayworld.com. Essayworld.com, 24 Feb. 2004. Web. 17 May. 2025. <http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Hamlet-Many-Interpretations/3558>
"Hamlet: Many Interpretations." Essayworld.com. February 24, 2004. Accessed May 17, 2025. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Hamlet-Many-Interpretations/3558.
"Hamlet: Many Interpretations." Essayworld.com. February 24, 2004. Accessed May 17, 2025. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Hamlet-Many-Interpretations/3558.
|
Save
Report